St. John's city councillor advocating for more safe disposal boxes after finding needles in public area

City of St. John's Coun. Greg Noseworthy was responding to a resident's call about litter in a wooded area near Topsail Road, when he nearly walked into needles sticking out of a tree. 

"I was mere inches away from having the needle poke myself, which could have been quite catastrophic," Noseworthy told CBC News on Monday. 

Noseworthy says he hears about needles littered in areas all over the city, including Mundy Pond, Cowan Heights, Waterford Valley, Old Topsail Road and Water Street. 

He says it's a serious safety issue, and can be hazardous if someone were to be stuck by one.

And after his close encounter with almost getting poked, Noseworthy wanted to raise awareness. 

"All it takes is a scratch in your skin and you've got a serious infection," he said.

Noseworthy says he spoke to a woman recently, who was accidentally pricked by a needle and had to receive treatment. The woman is now OK, he said.

WATCH | This city councillor says more needles boxes are needed: 

A near-miss with a needle jammed in a tree is prompting a city councillor to demand more disposal sites

4 days ago

Duration 2:06

City of St. John’s Coun. Greg Noseworthy says he was doing a park cleanup when he got up-close with a needle in an unusual spot. He says residents tell him needles are more of a common sight and designated containers to dispose of them are needed. The CBC’s Abby Cole has more.

He advises against cleaning up needles if found, and says people should call their city councillor or call 311 to have a professional come clean it up. 

"I really discourage people from trying to deal with these things themselves," he said. "If you are so compelled, make sure you're using tongs, gloves, [and a] proper disposal box."

Safe disposal boxes 

The city has 13 containers placed in different areas for safe needle disposal. But, Noseworthy says there should be more.

"Addictions are becoming more prevalent," he said. "It is a reality that we have to face as a society." 

The Safe Works Access Program (SWAP), a Newfoundland and Labrador harm reduction group, is also concerned about safe disposal. 

In an emailed statement, SWAP's acting program manager Anna Moulton said they will be meeting with Noseworthy on Wednesday to discuss changes to the city's needle distribution program to reduce the prevalence of supplies in public areas. 

SWAP also provides free personal disposal bins, and has a bin pick-up service so they can properly dispose of them. 

Noseworthy says he is going to continue advocating for more boxes to be placed around the city. He says prevention is key. 

"We have to deal with what we have right now, and finding ways to help keep the public safe is paramount," he said. 

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